Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Returns After Controversy with Major Broadcasters

LOS ANGELES — Jimmy Kimmel‘s late-night talk show is back on the air after Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group announced the end of their preemption. The show will return to ABC affiliate stations across the U.S. on Friday, September 26, following a week-long suspension due to Kimmel’s comments on the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The decision comes after discussions between the broadcasters and ABC, which resulted from strong viewer feedback and concerns over Kimmel’s remarks. Sinclair stated it received ‘thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders representing a wide range of perspectives,’ and emphasized the importance of responsible broadcasting.

Previously, Kimmel had sparked controversy by suggesting the shooter identified as a supporter of Donald Trump. His comments about the incident and Kirk’s family led to backlash, including demands from Sinclair for Kimmel to apologize and donate to Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA.

After the initial suspension implemented by Sinclair and Nexstar, ABC reinstated Kimmel to its national schedule, leading to continued debate over the role of free speech in broadcasting. Sinclair emphasized in its statement that its decision to stop airing Kimmel’s show was ‘independent of any government interaction or influence.’

Despite the backlash, Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday, delivering a monologue where he expressed regret about his earlier statements while criticizing political tactics related to free speech. ‘It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,’ he said, condemning threats to free speech.

President Trump reacted to Kimmel’s reinstatement on social media, expressing his disappointment and calling the return a mistake made by ABC. His comments reflect the ongoing tension between political figures and media personalities over artistic expression and accountability.

As the late-night landscape evolves, Kimmel’s show garnered over 6 million viewers upon returning, despite a significant portion of affiliates preempting it. The ongoing fallout from this incident highlights the intricate dynamics between local broadcasters, national networks, and political discourse.